Saints: Depth to be tested

Saints: Depth to be tested

A pair of major injuries has continued the New Orleans Saints’ nightmare season. The team recently announced wide receiver Brandin Cooks and safety Rafael Bush have been placed on season-ending injured reserve.

Although the WR group has struggled this season, Cooks’ contributions will be missed. He has logged the second-most WR snaps, flashed an ability to contribute as a runner, and served as the primary punt returner during his rookie season.

Bush’s injury is a larger concern, as it decimates an already-struggling secondary. The safety group, which appeared to be a strength this offseason, has now lost Bush, Jairus Byrd and fifth-round rookie Vinnie Sunseri – leaving starter Kenny Vaccaro (-8.2 coverage grade), Marcus Ball (-5.8coverage in only 65 snaps), and special teams player Jamarca Sanford as the remaining healthy safeties.

In an effort to address their depth, the team has signed WR Jalen Saunders and S Pierre Warren. Saunders has only played six offensive snaps this season with the New York Jets, while Warren is an undrafted free agent rookie who only professional experience came in the preseason—although he did record an impressive +1.3 pass coverage grade in his debut.